I Survived The Wild Outdoors

In this episode we share the powerful story of Lauren Jean- a tough, devoted hounds woman whose life was turned upside down by a single tick bite. After contracting Lyme disease, Lauren quickly developed severe symptoms, including neurological issues, heart complication, and P.O.T.S forcing her into a year long battle that drained her health, finances and strength. Through hospital visits, costly treatments, and constant setbacks, she continues caring for her 7 Bluetick hounds and her farm almost entirely on her own. We explore the science behind Lyme, why it's called "The Great Imitator" and the importance of prevention, tick-removal, and tick-testing services like TickCheck. This is a story of resilience, reality and the urgent need for better Lyme awareness and research.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brew_city_blue_hounds?igsh=MTExdXM0YjlveWQzcw%3D%3D&utm_source=qrFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18PymsmEWE/?mibextid=wwXIfrTickCheck: https://www.tickcheck.com/landing/lyme-disease?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=201474434&gbraid=0AAAAADvq656tIgEmHWdne88I47vdGxNAnTick Testing: https://web.uri.edu/tickencounter/testing/

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Klement, an outdoorsman whose life took an unexpected turn after a tick bite in 2012 while hunting in Washington State. What began as a simple tick removal became a six year medical mystery marked by worsening symptoms, unanswered questions, and countless treatments that never addressed the real cause. Justin shares the physical, emotional, and medical obstacles he endured, as well as the turning point he found through naturopathic medicine. His story is a powerful reminder of how important awareness, early testing and self-advocacy truly are. This is an episode for anyone who spends time outdoors, has battled unexplained health issues, or simply wants to better understand one of today's most misunderstood illnesses.

In this episode I sit down with Keith Schuh, an archer whose life changed forever in a split second. Nearly 20 years ago, Keith made the switch from aluminum to carbon arrows— a move many archers were making at the time. During a casual afternoon of target practice with friends, one arrow failed catastrophically. The carbon shaft splintered on release, driving deep into Keith’s arm and hand, causing severe injuries and a desperate rush to the hospital. Keith shares his first hand experience, recovery, and what he’s learned about arrow safety while I break down how to properly inspect your carbon arrows for cracks, splinters, and hidden damage.

In this episode, returning guest Jeff Braaksma shares a harrowing first hand account of what he believes was a Brown Recluse Spider bite-right in the woods of Wisconsin, where the species isn't considered native. While clearing brush for a deer stand, Jeff experienced a bite that quickly turned serious: swelling, tissue damage, and a textbook bullseye wound. Days later, after posting pictures on Facebook, his story ignited a response - dozens of others across Wisconsin shared similar experiences, raising new concerns about these so-called "hitchhiker" spiders.We breakdown Jeff's story and go beyond it, sharing what experts say you should do if you suspect a Brown Recluse bite. From symptoms to treatment-and what not to do, this episode is packed with information every hunter, hiker, and outdoor enthusiast should know.

In this episode, I share a painful lesson I learned first hand: What happens when you don't properly protect your skin from the sun. After a fishing trip turned into a medical nightmare, I developed sun poisoning and second-degree burns on my lips. We'll talk about what sun poisoning actually is, why your lips are especially at risk, and how you can prevent serious sun damage using SPF lip balm, sun-protective clothing, and smarter habits.Also, check out episode 40, "What's That Spot?", where I talk with fishing guide Thatcher Haggberg about the different types of skin cancer caused by sun exposure.

A split-second mistake. A missing thumb. A crossbow design that never should have allowed it to happen. In this episode, I sit down with veteran bowhunter Jeff Braaksma, who shares the shocking story of how a simple backyard practice session with his new crossbow turned into a life-altering injury. Jeff's not alone - his experience is part of a disturbing pattern affecting hunters across the country. We dive into the hidden dangers of modern crossbows, the responsibility manufacturers need to take, and what every new or experienced shooter must know before picking one up. If you or someone you know shoots a crossbow-or is thinking about it, this episode could prevent the next accident.

Professional fishing guide Thatcher Haggberg joins the show to share his personal wake-up call after being diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma and undergoing multiple treatments for actinic keratosis. With over 25 years guiding on Lake of the Woods and Crow Lake, Thatcher has spent a lifetime under the sun with little protection--and now he is on a mission to help others understand the long-term risks of sun exposure. We talk skin cancer, sun safety, SPF clothing and how to keep enjoying the outdoors while respecting the sun. A must listen for anyone who lives, works or plays outside.Thatcher's SocialsInstagram: @droptinetackleFacebook: Drop Tine TackleWebsite: www.droptinetackle.com

Join us as my friend Tracy and I chase Muskies on the legendary Lake of the Woods in Ontario, Canada. When the fish weren't biting the first few days of the trip, we made a bold decision to explore a new area- one that required portaging our boat overland using an old rail cart system. Things didn't go as planned and we soon found ourselves stranded on the wrong side of the portage with daylight slipping away. This is a story of what not to do....Brad's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Musky-Slayers-Bible-Guide-What/dp/B08TFQT7JY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LOO0CCJ4G1EM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pWwilAybkgQMWArc9eG9NA.poONEghwUkGLn7gCljtRY1kfyt6iwB6hpzuyVUuhZf4&dib_tag=se&keywords=a+musky+slayers+guide+of+what+not+to+do&qid=1750709419&sprefix=a+musky+slayers+guide+of+what+not+to+do%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-1